Veikkaus introduces lower annual loss limits for younger users
Finland’s Veikkaus will introduce lowered annual gambling loss limits for younger users and offer ‘checkpoints’ when pre-set thresholds are reached as part of a new personalised responsible gambling framework.
Setting out details of this ‘individual care model’, Veikkaus said it will put in place its new loss checkpoints from 9 June.
When players reach their first loss checkpoint, they will be contacted directly by a member of the Veikkaus team to discuss their gambling behaviour. Should they choose to continue to gamble, they will have the option to set additional thresholds up to a maximum annual loss limit.
Thresholds will differ between age groups. Players aged 18-19 will face a check when they lose €4,000, while their annual loss limit will be set at €8,000. Those in the 20-24 age group will be contacted after losing €8,000 but can lose up to €24,000 annually. Anyone aged 25 or over will not be contacted until they lose €24,000.
Veikkaus noted that the loss limits will only apply to customers gambling online and not at its Casino Helsinki. It said the land-based casino has its own tools in place to help customers manage their gambling.
Veikkaus focused on protecting younger people
The new loss limits and checkpoints form part of a wider effort from Veikkaus to offer greater protection to its customers. Susanna Saikkonen, director of sustainability at Veikkaus, said the operator is committed to helping players gamble responsibly.
“Our goal is to identify harmful gaming better than before using real-time data and to offer customers proactive care communications,” Saikkonen said.
Saikkonen also referenced the lower limits in younger people, saying these will offer greater protection to a more vulnerable group of players.
“Lower loss limits are set for young customers because their financial situation and life situation are often still developing and the risks related to gambling can be greater,” she said. “Lower limits are a preventive measure with which we want to support safe and controlled gambling and help young people monitor their own gambling and stop in time if necessary.”
Finnish licence deadline edging closer
The decision by Veikkaus to update its responsible gambling measures comes ahead of it losing its monopoly on gambling in Finland.
The country’s regulated market is due to launch on 1 July 2027, with more than 30 licence applications having been submitted ahead of a deadline this August. However, those that have applied have done so without knowing the full details of the rules they will face – including around responsible gambling.
Last week, panellists with interests in Finland discussed the market during a session at NEXT Summit Valletta 2026. While applications for licences are being submitted, some operators have been put off by a lack of clarity on regulations.
“Some of the details, such as the information on limits and self-exclusion, are totally missing, so the technical part is much further away than the actual licence application,” said Jaakko Soininen, managing director of Finnplay, an iGaming platform provider in the Nordics. “It is odd that you need to apply for the licence without knowing actually what you’re applying for.”
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